Wat Si Don Chai

Rating: 4.2/5 (5 votes)

Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Si Don Chai Ngop, Thung Chang, Nan. The temple was established in the year 2249 B.E. (1706 C.E.), though the founder is not clearly known. It was granted the ecclesiastical boundary (wisungkhamsima) on Wednesday, November 13, 2478 B.E. (1935 C.E.), in the Year of the Pig. The boundary stone laying ceremony (phuk phatthasima) took place on Sunday, March 12, 2480 B.E. (1937 C.E.). According to the records of Phra Khru Khian Thong, the temple was founded on January 16, 2245 B.E., and became a complete temple on March 15, 2249 B.E.

 

At the heart of the temple stands the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, regarded as the spiritual pillar of the Tai Lue people of Ban Ngob. Located at the center of the village on elevated ground, the tree is clearly visible from above. It reflects the age of the temple well, as most other buildings change over time. In the past, when a village was established, a central pillar would be erected and a Bodhi tree planted to grow around it, symbolizing the heart of the community.

 

The temple is located at house number 63, Ban Tai Rom Pho Thong, Moo 10, Ngob Subdistrict, Thung Chang District, Nan Province, and is affiliated with the Mahanikaya sect. The land area is approximately 4 rai, 1 ngan, and 85 square wah (according to Land Document No. 637). The northern boundary, measuring 2 sen, 11 wa, and 3 sok, adjoins land owned by Mr. In Intharansi, Mrs. Buatong Intharansi, and Mr. Brawong Intharansi. The southern boundary, 2 sen and 10 wa, borders land owned by Mr. In Intharansi and the Ngob Stream. The eastern boundary, 2 sen, 16 wa, and 1 sok, borders a water canal and land owned by Mr. Yarangsi Intharansi. The western boundary, 1 sen, 8 wa, and 2 sok, borders land owned by Mr. Sampan Ronthong.

 

The ordination hall, 8 meters wide and 12 meters long, was rebuilt in 2535 B.E. (1992 C.E.) and consecrated on January 26, 2538 B.E. (1995 C.E.). Inside is a bronze Buddha image cast in one solid piece, in a meditation posture, named “Phra Phuttha Withi Nayok.” The image has a lap width of 31 inches, a height of 54 inches, and a width of 41.5 inches. Two attendant disciples are placed alongside the principal image, donated by devotees from Wat Klang Bang Kaew, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province, a temple once presided over by the revered Luang Pu Bun. Several other registered Buddha images are also enshrined inside.

 

The viharn, measuring 9 meters in width and 20 meters in length, was built in 2513 B.E. (1970 C.E.) during the time of Subdistrict Chief Boonsuey Intharansi. Its principal Buddha image, in the subduing Mara posture, is a traditional plaster sculpture with a lap width of 91 inches, height of 179 inches, and a base width of 114 inches. The date of creation is unknown. The statue has been gilded since ancient times. It was restored during the time of Phra Khru Khian Thong by artisan Arkhom Intharansi due to damage to the leg. As a result, the appearance has changed from the original, though it remains beautiful in a different way. Originally, the ears were made from mai saw wood. The architectural style is Lanna Thai, with ceremonial structures on the sides in the Tai Lue tradition.

 

The monks’ quarters suffered a fire on May 21, 2539 B.E. (1996 C.E.) at 2:45 a.m., which destroyed the main kuti. The fire nearly spread to the viharn and the abbot’s quarters but was fortunately extinguished in time. The ordination hall was miraculously unharmed. Currently, there are two monks’ residences: the Sri Suwan Rat Kuti, inaugurated from December 31, 2543 B.E. to January 2, 2544 B.E. (2000–2001 C.E.), and another kuti beside the ordination hall, along with one bathroom building.

 

The bell tower was built in 2527 B.E. (1984 C.E.). During the aforementioned fire in 2539 B.E., although the fire threatened nearby structures, the ordination hall was left untouched, considered an amazing occurrence.

 

A large Bodhi tree, now 199 years old, was planted by Phra Khru Ba Intha Wichai, the Great Abbot of Wat Si Don Chai. He led a group of monks and Tai Lue laypeople from Louang Phouka, Muang Sing, and Muang Nang in Xishuangbanna, China, to settle in Ban Ngob in 2356 B.E. (1813 C.E.), during the early Rattanakosin era.

 

According to a palm-leaf manuscript of the Milinda Panha, it is written: "In Chulasakkarat 1185, corresponding to 2366 B.E. (1823 C.E.), in the Year of Ka Met, the Dhamma text Milinda Panha was created to uphold the Dhamma of Lord Gotama Buddha, completing 5,000 rains retreats. Written by the monk Intha Wichai Rassabhikkhu, a skilled scribe, for the purpose of supporting the supreme Buddhist teachings and leading to Nirvana may it be eternal and unchanging".